Gurugram: In a shocking case, the parents of a seven-year-old girl, who have died of dengue after undergoing treatment at the Fortis Hospital in Gurugram, were allowed to take their daughter's dead body after paying the exorbitant expenses of Rs 18 lakh.
Citizens of West Delhi's Dwarka, the parents of the deceased have alleged that the hospital staff kept their girl on ventilator for three days despite she had stopped responding to the treatment. The child died on 14 September, 2017.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda later called for details of the case and assured to look into the matter. "Please provide me details on hfwminister@gov.in .We will take all the necessary action," said Nadda in a tweet.
As the information regarding this case went viral, a healthcare facility immediately issued a statement regarding the patient. According to the medical center, Adya was brought to Gurgaon's Fortis Memorial Analysis Institute from another private hospital on the morning of 31 August, 2017. "She was admitted with severe dengue which progressed to dengue shock syndrome and was maintained on IV fluids and supportive treatment simply because there was a progressive fall in platelet count and hemoconcentration," said the hospital in a statement.
As her condition deteriorated, she had to be put on ventilator support within 48 hours.
"The family was kept informed of the critical condition of the child and the poor prognosis in these situations. As a process, we counselled the family daily on the condition of the kid. On 14 September, 2017, the family decided to take her away from a healthcare facility against medical suggestions (LAMA - Leave Against Medical Suggestions) and she succumbed the same time," said the statement.
Stating that there is nothing wrong in their end, Fortis said that all standard medical protocols were followed in treating the patient and all clinical suggestions were adhered to. "An itemised costs spread over 20 web pages was explained and handed over to the family at the time of their departure from the hospital. Patient was treated in the Paediatric ICU (PICU) for 15 days and was critical right from the time of admission requiring Intensive monitoring," stated the statement.
"Treatment during these 15 times included mechanical ventilation, high frequency ventilation, continuous renal substitute therapy, intravenous antibiotics, inotropes, sedation and analgesia.A Care of ventilated sufferers in ICU takes a high number of consumables as per globally accepted infection control protocols. All consumables are transparently reflected in records and charged according to actuals."
Fortis Medical center also said that they have been in touch with the family members to address their worries and remain available for any further support required. "We understand the grief of the bereaved family and our heartfelt condolences go out to them."